Does London have a distinct Identity?

This summer London has been the focus of a lot of international attention and in response The Great British Art Debate has been thinking about the capital and its cultural identity. Does London have a distinct image or identity and, if so, how it can be described?

In search of a different perspective on the British capital we took a walk to ‘Another London’, an exhibition currently at Tate Britain that examines different ways in which London has been captured by foreign photographers.

Perhaps a little unsurprising for an exhibition that takes note of London as a place that with no single style, ‘Another London‘ takes a variety of photographic approaches to the city. At some points this gives a glimpse into parts of the city that have passed, such as Rene Groebli’s, ‘ Tram on Westminster Bridge’ and at others makes reference to the city’s more recognisable landmarks as with James Barnor’s, ‘Mike Eghan at Piccadilly Circus, London’ above.

However, some of the most intriguing insight into London’s lack of aesthetic consistency is shown in images that depict the diversity of life that is played out openly on its streets, a subject that captured Bruce Davidson’s imagination when visiting London in the 1960’s.

In the later parts of the exhibition, the images take a twist and present subculture, social change and an all together more self aware London. In the photographs of Neil Kenlock, official photographer for the Black Panthers, this is shown in the stands that prominent protest campaigns made against inequality. Alternatively for Knorr and Richon the drive for change sprang from debates around the politics of representation and punk culture in the clubs ofCovent Garden.

Through all of its attempts to represent the city, ‘Another London‘ asks the viewer to question their own relationship with the city. How do you see London’s cultural identity? How do you place yourself within it?

Another London will continue at Tate Britain until 16th September only, so head down this weekend if you would like to see the exhibition in full.

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I'm a disabled amateur painter, so can't visit the Tate, but would love to know more about Mary Beale..Who taught her? Why did she paint on paper? Is there a book about her life and painting techniques? I'd be grateful for any other information you can offer. Thankyou!Lesley Scott on Help us decide what we hang at Tate Britain!

Dear Emma,
We enjoyed the Schwitters in Britain exhibition very very much and wondered whether any preservation work has been carried out on ‘Ja – Was? Bild’ (page 80 in the catalogue). This dates from 1920 and contains corrugated cardboard. The reason I ask is that I use corrugated cardboard as a medium for my sculptures and I am constantly asked 'How long will it last for?' This is the oldest artwork incorporating corrugated cardboard that I have come across, so I'd be most grateful if you could throw some light on this, if you ever get a minute to spare. Thanks for a wonderful exhibition.
sincerely
Josettejosette carroll on Curator Emma Chambers on choosing works for Restless Times